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The first cold morning always makes coffee feel less optional, and that is the mood behind this list of winter coffee drinks.
For me, coffee is one of the easiest ways to warm up in winter, and the ritual matters as much as the drink itself.
So I put together the winter coffee drinks I keep coming back to this season. Some are holiday staples, and others are the ones I only really crave when the air turns sharp.
20 Most popular coffee drinks to try this winter
1. Irish Coffee
There are winter evenings when a coffee with a little alcohol feels closer to dessert than a regular drink, and Irish coffee is the clearest example. The first time I had one made properly, I expected the whiskey to dominate, but it blended into the coffee more smoothly than I thought it would.
Irish coffee, also known as alcoholic coffee, traditionally contains Irish whiskey, hot coffee, and sugar, then gets topped with cream.
Some modern recipes leave out the alcohol, which still gives you a warm, creamy drink, just without the same finish as the traditional version.
I still think the traditional version makes the most sense in cold weather. Here is my favorite Irish coffee recipe:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Preheat your mug by filling it with hot water, then emptying it.
- 2Next, pour the hot coffee into the mug, about ¾ full.
- 3Mix in the sugar until it dissolves. Then, add the whiskey.
- 4Pour the cream on top, and enjoy!
Barista HQ Tip: Try Starbucks Irish Cream Cold Brew for a nonalcoholic version.
2. Snickerdoodle Latte
The first time I tried a cinnamon latte with real winter spice in it, it reminded me more of a snickerdoodle than a plain flavored coffee. The cinnamon keeps it sweet, but it also gives the espresso a sharper edge than I expected.
You may not see this drink on every coffee shop menu, so I usually think of it as a Starbucks-style build rather than a standard order.
One version I have seen is a Cinnamon Dolce Latte with white mocha syrup and breve.
3. Eggnog Latte
For me, eggnog is one of those flavors that immediately says the holidays.
That is why I like eggnog lattes in winter. They keep that custardy, spiced flavor going even after the holiday table is packed away.
Use this coffee recipe if you want a creamy cup of eggnog latte at home:
What You’ll Need
Extra Info:
- 1In a small pot, heat the eggnog over low to medium heat. Make sure you keep it below a rolling boil, then simmer.
- 2Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweetener if you want a sweeter drink. Whisk the mixture continuously until it's thick.
- 3Brew a cup of coffee. It's best to make a stronger one, as the sweetness of the eggnog will balance the flavor of the drink.
- 4Add the eggnog to your coffee--the eggnog will act as the creamer to the coffee, which is why it's a great addition. Then top it with whipped cream, a cinnamon stick, and a pinch of ground nutmeg.
4. Hazelnut Mocha
If you usually stick with classic coffee drinks, hazelnut mocha is an easy winter one to try. The hazelnut pulls the chocolate in a nuttier direction, so it tastes rounder and less sugary than a straight mocha.
The best part? No need to go anywhere to enjoy this hot coffee; you can simply follow the Starbucks home recipe, and you’ll have a hazelnut mocha in no time.
5. Gingerbread Latte
If you want a winter drink that tastes closer to gingerbread cookies than plain coffee, this one makes sense.
It gives you sweetness, caffeine, and enough spice to feel seasonal without pushing the coffee completely out of the cup.
Here is how to make gingerbread lattes at home:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Brew your coffee or make your espresso. If you want a stronger drink, add more espresso shots.
- 2Pour your milk into a small bowl and heat it in the microwave for 30 seconds.
- 3Once the milk is heated, add the spices: ginger, cinnamon, molasses, and nutmeg to the milk. Whisk until all ingredients are well blended.
- 4Pour the milk into a coffee mug and pour the espresso on top. Serve and enjoy!
6. Peppermint Mocha
Peppermint mocha is one of those holiday drinks I start seeing everywhere once the season starts, and I get why. Mint and chocolate are already a familiar combination, but the cool mint note keeps the drink from tasting flat or overly sweet.
If I do not feel like making one, I usually just order a Starbucks peppermint mocha.
If you want to serve peppermint mochas to guests or recreate the drink at home, follow this peppermint mocha recipe:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Add milk, cocoa powder, and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium heat until bubbles start forming on the edge and the sugar is dissolved.
- 2Then, mix in the espresso, vanilla extract, and peppermint syrup, then turn off the heat. If you’re using candy canes, make sure it’s dissolved before you turn off the heat.
- 3Pour in a cup and add your toppings. Serve.
7. Brown Sugar Latte
If lattes are your default order, winter is a good time to branch out a little. Brown sugar latte has become one of the flavors I reach for when I want something sweeter than a plain latte but less candy-like than caramel.
Here is how to make this classic latte with a twist at home:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1In a small saucepan, heat milk, caramel sauce, and sugar over medium heat and bring to a simmer. Froth milk mixture using a hand-held frother. If you don’t have one, a whisk will be enough. However, you won’t achieve the right milk foam consistency.
- 2Pour some of the milk mixture into a cup, leaving a bit of foam for topping.
- 3Add the coffee into the cup and top it with foam. Enjoy and get cozy with this delicious cup.
Barista HQ Tip: Making some peppermint mocha for friends? Add a dash of peppermint schnapps instead of peppermint syrup for the boozy kick.
8. Smoked Butterscotch Latte
A smoked butterscotch latte is one of those drinks that sounds heavier than it tastes. The butterscotch gives it a soft, buttery sweetness, while the smoky note keeps it from reading like a straight dessert drink.
The best thing about this holiday coffee is that you don’t need to make it at home! This unique latte can be ordered at Starbucks.
9. Pistachio Latte
Another winter latte I keep coming back to is pistachio.
Like the smoked butterscotch latte, you can enjoy this beverage without lifting a finger because Starbucks has got you covered.
What I notice first is the nutty finish. It still feels creamy and smooth, but the pistachio keeps it a little less heavy than some of the richer holiday lattes.
10. Dirty Iced Chai Latte
You might wonder why an iced drink made the list, but the dirty iced chai latte earns it.
The chai spices still give it a warm flavor, even though the drink is cold, and the espresso makes the spice taste sharper. I like that contrast more than I expected the first time I tried it.
Here is how to make one of the winter coffee recipes:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1In a small saucepan, heat milk over medium heat until it begins to bubble on the edges.
- 2Add the tea bags, turn off the heat, and let the tea steep for 5 minutes.
- 3Once the tea is steeped, remove the bags.
- 4Add spices, maple syrup, and date syrup.
- 5Pour the chai into a glass and top with espresso. Slowly stir in the ice. If you want a dirty chai latte, skip the ice.
11. Toasted White Chocolate Mocha
I reach for toasted white chocolate mocha when I want something festive without it feeling too heavy.
This Starbucks holiday drink is simply delightful. It is made with caramelized white chocolate and creamy milk, topped with holiday white sugar and crispy white pearls–yummy, indeed!
12. Caramel Brulee Latte
One of my favorite caramel drinks for winter is caramel brulee.
Compared with regular caramel, this version tastes more toasted than sugary, which is why I prefer it when I want a little less sweetness and a little more depth.
Instead of making this at home, you can order it from your local Starbucks store.
13. Red Velvet Latte
If you want a drink that looks as festive as it tastes, this latte recipe is a good fit.
The bright holiday look is part of the appeal, and it feels more like a seasonal treat than an everyday latte.
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Place milk in a saucepan and heat over medium to low heat.
- 2Add sugar to the pan and simmer, stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
- 3Remove from heat.
- 4Then, add chocolate chunks until melted. Stir in food coloring, vanilla extract, and coffee.
- 5Top the drink with whipped cream and white chocolate chips.
14. Mexican Coffee
If you want a spiked coffee, this recipe uses tequila and coffee-flavored liqueur instead of whiskey.
The tequila and coffee-flavored liqueur give the drink a quick warm finish. Here is how to make one:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Heat the milk over low to medium heat until the edges bubble.
- 2Add a dash of cinnamon and the simple syrup, and stir.
- 3Turn the heat off and pour the milk into a cup. Add the espresso shots, tequila, Kahlua, and then top with whipped cream and cinnamon powder. If you’re feeling fancy, serve it in a martini glass.
15. Spiced Cinnamon Dolce Latte
If I am not in the mood to make a winter coffee at home, Starbucks is usually the easy fallback.
It’s simply a classic latte with a twist! The added cinnamon dolce syrup and cinnamon dolce topping make this drink perfect for the winter.
16. S'mores Latte
If you’re a fan of s’mores, this latte drink is for you. It’s very easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. My favorite recipe is the Starbucks S’mores Latte recipe–it’s quick and simple.
If you want to make it kid-friendly, I would leave out the coffee and use hot chocolate instead. That turns it into a simple winter treat.
Caribou Coffee is another place to look for a Campfire Mocha if you prefer to skip the homemade version.
17. Toasted Chestnut Praline Latte
Nutty and spicy–this is what you get in every cup of Toasted Chestnut Praline latte.
That toasted, slightly nutty flavor is what makes it feel so seasonal, and it is the kind of drink I think of when Starbucks starts pushing winter flavors.
18. Cinnamon Roll Iced Coffee
If you love cinnamon roll flavors, this winter drink makes sense. I still think of it as a winter drink even though it is iced, because the cinnamon comes through strongly enough to feel seasonal. Here is how to make this drink:
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Mix in the cinnamon and maple extract into the cold brew. I like to use a cocktail shaker to ensure that the flavors are blended into the coffee.
- 2Pour the mixture into a glass, then add the half-and-half.
- 3Top it with whipped cream and cinnamon powder. Serve and enjoy.
19. Horchata Latte
The horchata latte takes a little more time, but that is part of the appeal for me. When I have a slower afternoon, I do not mind the extra prep because the cinnamon-rice flavor feels worth it.
What You’ll Need
Instructions
- 1Soak the rice in the water for at least 4 hours a day in the refrigerator.
- 2Then, pour the rice and water into a high-speed blender. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract, sugar, and milk. Blend until the mixture is smooth.
- 3Pour the mixture into a cheesecloth, fine-mesh strainer, or paper coffee filter to strain out the rice pieces.
- 4Next, pour the espresso shots into the four cups. (One shot for each cup)
- 5Lastly, pour the horchata mix into the cups, serve, and enjoy!
20. Salted Caramel Mocha
If you like dessert-style coffee drinks, salted caramel mocha is an easy winter pick.
This Starbucks special is salty and chocolatey–a combination of flavors that’s addicting. Just be careful, though; it’s high in sugar and calories.
Best winter coffee drinks at popular coffee shops
Starbucks
Caribou Coffee
Black Rock Coffee
FAQs
Can I drink iced coffee in winter?
You can absolutely drink iced coffee in winter. I like iced coffee drinks with cinnamon or nutmeg in winter because the spice makes the drink feel warmer, even if the cup itself stays cold.
What is the best winter coffee drink with alcohol?
Irish coffee is still my favorite winter alcoholic coffee. The whiskey brings enough warmth and depth that the drink feels right for a cold evening.
What is the most consumed Christmas coffee?
Peppermint mocha shows up on a lot of holiday menus, so it is usually easy to find during the season.
Conclusion
I hope these winter coffee ideas help you find a drink that fits the season. Some are easier to pick up at a coffee shop, while others are better as home recipes when I feel like making something myself.
My two winter favorites are the eggnog latte and hazelnut mocha, mostly because they both feel comforting without tasting identical. Those are the two I end up ordering or making most often.
